In a true sign of the times, BET announced that the network will air the first-ever Social Awards highlighting the 2017’s social media trailblazers and renegades. The show will premiere live on BET Sunday, February 11th, 2018 at 7 pm EST.

Michael Blackson has been announced as the host, and Mike Epps will serve as executive producer; with these two leading the way, the show is guaranteed to be “smack yo mama” funny. The categories in THIS show are unlike any other awards show you’ve seen thus far.

Blackson is fastly becoming a household name, most famously for his self-deprecating humor and hilariously funny testimonial video commentary and the unmistakably distinguishing monikers that he uses, like “he-bitch and “modasucka.”

In this hilarious video which aired on BET, Erykah Badu, 2017 Soul Train Awards show host, acts out acts out a skit involving Blackson, while seated in the audience.

In this new installation to the long list of annual award shows, Blackson is reunited with fellow comedian and Executive producer, Mike Epps. The pair will hopefully recreate the ‘comedic gold’ experienced by audiences in urban cult classics like “Next Friday” and “Meet the Blacks.” The show will take place before a live audience in Atlanta, on February 11th.

Cardi B, OffSet, Jess Hilarious, Lil Uzi Vert, Duckie Thot, Tami Roman, Tyrese, Salt Bae, the ‘roll safe’ are amongst the nominees and viewers can vote on the five finalist to be considered to win categories such as but not limited to: “Clapback,” “Social Hustle”, and “LMAO!” Go to BET.COM/SOCIAL to cast your vote and be part of the process that decides the winners!

The initial round of voting closes Sunday, January 21st at 6 PM EST; voting resumes on Tuesday, January 23rd at Noon EST featuring the top (5) nominees chosen in the online voting.

The categories for round one of “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” online voting are:

ISSA WAVE:

Artists need streams, likes and views to gain social influence these days, which artist exemplifies this new business model and deserves recognition?

Lil Pump

Lil Yachty

Lil Uzi Vert

H.E.R

21 Savage

Kashdoll

6lack

Post Malone

G Eazy

Logic

SOCIAL HUSTLE:

#nodaysoff, which artists demonstrates the best day-to-day hustle, controlling your feed and timeline?

CallHimRenny

FatBoySSE

Kendall Kendall

Jess Hilarious

WatchJazzy

J Mulan

Duckie Thot

King Keraun

DC Young Fly

DJ Akademiks

LMAO!:

These folks are all hilarious and utilize social media to spread their funny all over the world; vote to crown the king/queen of social comedy

Blame It On Kway

Reggie Couz

Jess Hilarious

YesI’mPrettyVee

HaHa Davis

King Bach

LaLaSizaHands89

Tami Roman

Mr_HotSpot

2realmacdatfee

CLAPBACK:

Everyone in this category knows the importance of not backing down from any internet fight and responding with aggressive flair when necessary; which nominee is the best at G-checking adversaries that need to recognize?

Christy Teigen

Remy Ma

Maxine Waters

Angela Rye

Sharon Reed

Amanda Seales

Jess Hillarious

Erykah Badu

Michael Rapaport

Rihanna

BEST PODCAST:

These nominees talk for a living and provide gems via conversation; who do you like to hear from the most?

The Drink Champs

The Bodega Boys

Rap Radar with Elliott Wilson

The Read

Two Dope Queens

Joe Budden

Pod Save The People

The Brilliant Idiots

Another Round

On One With Angela Rye

MOOD AF:

Memes and gifs have taken over as the preferred method of social media communication; which are most inspiring?

Roll Safe

Salt Bae

Meryl Streep Singing

Diddy Met Gala

Issa Rae “I’m Rooting For Everybody Black”

Real House Wives Of Atlanta “Who said that”

Michael Jordan Crying

BAEWATCH:

These couples enhance each other’s social media reach and are the envy of all their followers – vote for your favorite

Gucci & Keyshia Kaoir

Teyana & Iman

Beyonce & Jay Z

Cardi B & OffSet

Remy Ma & Papoose

Russell Wilson & Ciara

Produced by BET Networks, “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” is executive produced by Mike Epps, Kyra Robinson, and Eric Conte.

To apply for media credentials to cover the “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS” please email mediacredentials@bet.net.

For updates and more information about “THE BET SOCIAL AWARDS,” please visit BET.COM/SOCIAL. Join the conversation on social media by logging on to our social media platforms using the hashtag: #BETSocialAwards.

Follow Michael Blackson on social media: Michael Blackson on Facebook, @michaelblackson on Twitter and Instagram, Youtube and log on to www.michaelblackson.com